Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

Company: Shepard Exposition Services

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: October 2, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the end-to-end design and production of print graphics for trade shows and specialty events, ensuring high visual impact and brand consistency.

• Upholds stringent quality control measures, paying meticulous attention to detail in layout, color precision, and image quality throughout the design lifecycle.

• Collaborates closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to translate client requirements into compelling visual assets that meet event objectives.

• Manages various file formats (Vector, PDF, Raster) and understands oversized print production processes to ensure seamless integration with digital printing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is graphic design, the emphasis on print production, quality control, and cross-functional collaboration positions this role within the broader Marketing Operations and Creative Services spectrum, requiring an understanding of campaign execution and brand representation in a B2B event context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce and design high-impact print graphics tailored for trade shows and specialty events, adhering to specific client briefs and Shepard Exposition Services' brand guidelines.

• Implement rigorous quality control checks on all design outputs, ensuring accuracy in layout, typography, color, and image resolution prior to production.

• Collaborate effectively with sales, account management, and production teams to gather design requirements, provide creative input, and ensure project alignment from concept to completion.

• Prepare and optimize design files for large-format printing, ensuring compatibility with various digital printing technologies and maintaining color accuracy across different media.

• Proofread all designed materials meticulously to identify and rectify any errors in text, graphics, or layout, ensuring a polished final product.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with fluctuating workloads.

• Adapt designs based on constructive feedback from clients and internal stakeholders, demonstrating flexibility and a solutions-oriented approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a need for quality control and adherence to standards, suggesting a role that requires not just creative output but also a process-oriented approach to ensure consistent, high-quality deliverables for event marketing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of demonstrated experience in professional graphic design, with a focus on print media and event-related collateral.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Proven ability to create visually compelling designs for print.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat for design creation, layout, and file preparation.

• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of oversized print production processes, including color profiles (CMYK), resolution requirements, and bleed/trim considerations.

• File Management: Expertise in handling various file formats (Vector, PDF, Raster) and preparing them for print output.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy in design, text, and specifications to ensure quality and prevent errors.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively within a team and communicate design concepts clearly.

• Independent Work Ethic: Ability to manage workload, prioritize tasks, and work autonomously with minimal supervision.

• Adaptability & Feedback: Openness to receiving and implementing constructive criticism and adapting designs based on client and team input.

Preferred Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams for internal communication and project management.

• WebEx: Familiarity with WebEx for virtual collaboration.

• Event Industry Experience: Familiarity with the demands and specific design needs of trade shows and event environments.

• Vector Graphics Expertise: Advanced skills in creating and manipulating vector graphics for scalability and print quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software proficiency (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office) and the emphasis on understanding print production processes are critical for this role, indicating a need for practical, hands-on skills beyond theoretical design knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of print design projects, with a strong emphasis on trade show graphics, event signage, and promotional materials.

• Case studies demonstrating the design process from brief to final execution, highlighting problem-solving approaches and creative solutions.

• Examples of successful file preparation for large-format printing, illustrating attention to detail in color management, resolution, and file formatting.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of workflow management for design projects, indicating how tasks were prioritized and deadlines met.

• Examples of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations, showing a structured approach to revisions and client approvals.

• Evidence of collaboration with production teams, illustrating effective communication and file hand-off processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role focused on production, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative output but also demonstrate a structured approach to design, file preparation, and collaboration, reflecting an understanding of the operational aspects of design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Atlanta, Georgia, the estimated annual salary range is $55,000 - $75,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Atlanta and the demand for skilled graphic designers in the event services sector.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Opportunity to become an owner and benefit from the company's success, fostering a sense of commitment and shared responsibility.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and continued learning in design software and industry best practices.

• Hybrid Work Environment: Flexibility to balance on-site and remote work, promoting work-life integration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility, with potential for night and weekend work depending on project deadlines and workload availability, reflecting the dynamic nature of the event industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of an ESOP is a significant benefit, highlighting Shepard Exposition Services' commitment to employee ownership and fostering a culture of shared success. The salary range is an estimation based on standard mid-level graphic designer roles in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Event Services / Trade Show Management. Shepard Exposition Services is a prominent player in providing comprehensive services for trade shows and special events, requiring a fast-paced, client-focused, and execution-oriented environment.

Company Size: The company is likely mid-sized to large, given its operational scope in exposition services across multiple locations. This suggests a structured organization with established processes and a diverse workforce.

Founded: Shepard Exposition Services has a long history, founded in 1907. This longevity indicates stability, deep industry expertise, and a culture that has evolved to meet the changing demands of the events industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative Services department.

• This team is expected to collaborate closely with Sales, Account Management, and the Production/Operations departments to deliver event solutions.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Design work is driven by client needs and event objectives, requiring a strong understanding of their brand and target audience.

• Process-Driven Execution: Emphasis on adhering to established design and production workflows to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely delivery for events.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Teams work together to overcome challenges, whether creative or logistical, to meet client expectations.

• Data-Informed Design (Implied): While not explicitly stated, understanding event success metrics can inform design choices for maximum impact.

Company Website: https://www.shepardes.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and ESOP structure suggest a culture that values commitment, stability, and employee contribution. The nature of exposition services implies a highly collaborative and deadline-driven environment where operational efficiency is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It involves executing design tasks with a degree of independence, adhering to established guidelines, and contributing to team projects. It's a foundational role within the creative spectrum of the event services industry.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or a Marketing Manager. This structure allows for mentorship and oversight while providing opportunities to contribute to broader marketing initiatives. Collaboration will extend to various operational departments, requiring strong communication with project managers and production staff.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts client satisfaction and the visual presentation of events. High-quality, on-brand graphics contribute to the success of trade shows and specialty events, influencing client perception, attendee engagement, and ultimately, Shepard Exposition Services' reputation and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: Advancement to a senior role with increased responsibility in project management, client interaction, and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Specialization: Development of expertise in specific areas such as large-format printing, interactive event design, or brand identity for events.

• Creative Supervisor/Manager: Transition into a leadership role overseeing a design team, managing creative strategy, and contributing to departmental operations.

• Cross-functional Moves: Potential to leverage design and project management skills in roles within Account Management, Event Planning, or Marketing Coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ESOP structure and long history of the company suggest that internal growth and long-term career development are valued. The role offers a clear path to becoming a subject matter expert in event graphics production and potentially moving into leadership or client-facing roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This arrangement allows for a balance between focused, independent work at home and collaborative, in-person interaction at the office in Atlanta.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia. This location likely serves as a significant operational hub for Shepard Exposition Services.

Workspace Context:

• On-site: The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for direct interaction with design colleagues, production teams, and management. Access to high-performance workstations and potentially specialized printing equipment or proofing systems.

• Remote: Flexibility to work from a home office setup, enabling focused design work and efficient task management. Requires reliable internet connectivity and personal discipline.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary software licenses (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office) and communication platforms (Teams, WebEx) for seamless integration with the team and ongoing projects.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the event industry demands flexibility. The Graphic Designer must be prepared for potential evening and weekend work, especially during peak event seasons or when critical deadlines approach. This requires strong time management skills to balance workload and maintain personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, requiring self-discipline for remote work and strong interpersonal skills for on-site collaboration. The mention of "workload available" suggests project-based scheduling that might necessitate adapting to fluctuating demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design style.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focused on your design process, proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, understanding of print production, and ability to problem-solve. Expect questions about file preparation and color management.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated meeting where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your role, creative decisions, design rationale, and how you handled feedback and met project objectives.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your alignment with Shepard Exposition Services' core values (Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, Teamwork) and your ability to work within a hybrid environment and as an ESOP owner.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss your overall fit and potential contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your print design skills, specifically highlighting trade show graphics, event collateral, and large-format print work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, walk through your thought process: understanding the brief, initial concepts, design iterations, how you incorporated feedback, and the final output.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss file preparation, color correction, resolution optimization, and any challenges you overcame in preparing files for print production.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on how your designs contributed to event success (e.g., increased booth traffic, positive client feedback), present it.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Show examples where you had to revise designs and explain how you managed those changes effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sample Design Task: You might be given a small design task or a scenario to solve, similar to what you'd encounter on the job. This could involve creating a concept for a banner or a brochure layout.

• Technical Questions: Prepare to answer questions about CMYK vs. RGB, vector vs. raster, common print issues, and how to troubleshoot them.

• Company Values: Familiarize yourself with Shepard Exposition Services' core values and be ready to provide examples of how you embody them in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on ESOP ownership means interviewers will look for candidates who demonstrate commitment, responsibility, and a proactive approach to contributing to the company's success, not just their individual design tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency required in:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout, typesetting, and creating multi-page documents like brochures and event guides.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, and creating raster graphics.
  • Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, pre-press checks, and ensuring document integrity.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for internal communication, project documentation, and basic data handling.

  • Word: For creating project briefs, internal memos, and documentation.
  • Excel: For tracking project status, managing simple data sets, or creating basic charts.
  • Outlook: For professional email communication and calendar management.
  • Teams: For internal chat, video conferencing, and team collaboration.

• WebEx: For virtual meetings and presentations, especially with remote team members or clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly part of the graphic designer's daily tools, but an awareness of how design assets are requested and managed within a CRM or project management system (e.g., Salesforce, Asana, Monday.com) is beneficial for efficient workflow integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office as required software highlights the core technical competencies expected. Familiarity with collaboration platforms like Teams and WebEx is crucial for a hybrid role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Caring: Demonstrating empathy and consideration for colleagues, clients, and the impact of design work.

• Commitment: Dedicated to delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and contributing to the company's long-term success as an ESOP owner.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all design and communication.

• Spirit: Bringing enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a proactive approach to projects and teamwork.

• Responsiveness: Quickly addressing client needs, feedback, and project requirements, crucial in the fast-paced event industry.

• Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where all team members feel respected and heard.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues across departments to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional client experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with sales, account management, and production teams is vital. This involves clear communication, understanding different departmental needs, and working towards unified event solutions.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs to ensure the best possible outcomes and continuous learning.

• Shared Ownership: As part of an ESOP, there's an inherent culture of shared responsibility and collective effort towards company objectives. Designers are encouraged to think beyond their immediate tasks and consider the broader impact on the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on core values, particularly "Caring," "Commitment," and "Teamwork," alongside the ESOP structure, suggests a culture that prioritizes people, dedication, and a collective drive for success. This designer role requires not just creative talent but also strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Fluctuating Workloads: The event industry experiences peak seasons and unpredictable demand, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills to handle surges in design requests.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client/Brand Constraints: Effectively translating diverse client visions and Shepard Exposition Services' brand standards into cohesive and impactful designs within tight timelines.

• Ensuring Print-Perfect Execution: Navigating the technical complexities of large-format printing to guarantee color accuracy, image quality, and structural integrity across various materials.

• Adapting to Evolving Event Trends: Staying abreast of current design trends and technologies within the event industry to keep client offerings fresh and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud or explore new design software relevant to event marketing.

• Print Production Workshops: Training sessions focused on the latest in large-format printing technologies, materials, and best practices.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Access to events or online learning platforms to stay current with design trends, event marketing strategies, and new tools.

• ESOP Ownership Education: Understanding the financial and operational aspects of being an employee-owner, fostering a strategic business mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and technically demanding nature of event graphics production. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning in both creative and business-oriented areas, aligning with the ESOP model.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a large-format banner for a trade show. How do you ensure brand consistency and visual impact?" (Focus on your workflow, client brief interpretation, and technical considerations.)

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate adaptability, communication, and problem-solving skills.)

• Technical Proficiency: "What are the key differences between designing for CMYK and RGB, and why is it crucial for print projects?" (Showcase your technical understanding of color management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "Shepard Exposition Services values 'Commitment' and 'Teamwork.' Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in a previous role?" (Connect your experiences to their core values and ESOP ownership.)

• Hybrid Work: "How do you maintain productivity and collaboration in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight your self-management and communication strategies.)

• Industry Awareness: "What trends are you seeing in trade show and event graphics design?" (Show your passion and awareness of the industry.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the client's challenge, your creative solution, the process, and the results.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs contributed to the client's goals (e.g., attracting attendees, conveying key messages).

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss file formats, color profiles, and any specific print considerations for each piece.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time by being clear, direct, and relevant in your explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who not only have strong design skills but also understand the operational aspects of production, can collaborate effectively in a hybrid setting, and demonstrate a commitment to the company's success as an ESOP owner.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Workable application link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant print design projects, particularly those involving trade shows, events, or large-format graphics. Prioritize examples that showcase your understanding of print production processes and quality control.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, your experience in print production, and your ability to collaborate in team settings. Use keywords from the job description such as "print graphics," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "quality control," and "hybrid work."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively, focusing on the impact and execution of your work. Prepare examples that demonstrate alignment with Shepard Exposition Services' core values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Shepard Exposition Services' work, their clients, and their role in the exposition industry. Understand their core values and the implications of being an ESOP company to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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